Clinical observations of noncoping overdenture abutments protected by tannin-fluoride preparation.

ABSTRACT

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The exposed dentin of overdenture abutments can lead to caries. Therefore chemical protection is needed to prevent caries. Considering that dentin contains both organic and inorganic components, reinforcement of both components should give reasonable results. Tannin-fluoride preparation strengthens both the organic and inorganic components of teeth. PURPOSE: This study examined whether the tannin-fluoride preparation protects noncoping abutments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-one subjects aged 36 to 86 years participated in the clinical trial. A trial autopolymerizing resin containing the preparation or a conventional autopolymerizing resin was applied to the inner surface of the denture base, which was in contact with the abutments. When there were autopolymerizing resin group abutments, there was also at least one preparation group abutment under the overdenture. RESULTS: The incidence of caries in the preparation and autopolymerizing resin groups were 0% and 0%, respectively, for the first 2 years, 4.5% and 0%, respectively, during the 3- to 4-year period, 13.8% and 75%, respectively, during the 5- to 8-year period, and 10% and 15%, respectively, in total. Gingival crevicular fluid demonstrated a tendency to decrease in both groups over time. CONCLUSION: The trial autopolymerizing resin containing the preparation has a long-term caries prevention effect, and helps to maintain gingival health. Without adding clinical steps, abutments can be protected by the tannin-fluoride preparation.